Everyone she knew was gathered and they all clapped wildly as she and her handsome host headed up the walkway. Chris was there with Priya. Her mom and dad were right next to them. A few of her girlfriends and former co-workers stood clustered with members of theHandymencrew.
“As you know, Eli’s been working hard on creating some major curb appeal. Eli, tell Emily what you’ve done.”
Eli stepped forward and spoke into the camera. “Emily’s store is part of a busy retail area. We wanted to make it pop. In retail, customers make impressions based on what they see. WithFrom Scratch, we needed to convey a feeling of warmth and nostalgia, much like Emily’s soups. We paved over the old front lawn and gave it a clean, classic look with grey tumble stone. It’s fresh and easy to maintain. Most of all, it’s accessible.” He grinned at Emily. “Of course no store is complete without proper signage. Take it away, Michael.”
Emily’s throat constricted with excitement. The men had draped a cloth over the store sign.
“Check out your sign.” He grabbed a cord and the drapery fell to the ground.
Her hand flew to her mouth. Although she knew the sign had been professionally printed, it looked hand-written with its scrolling font.From Scratchstood out on a red and green background, a clear nod to her Italian heritage. A smaller, second sign hung directly below it, advertisingOrganic soups, spices and more. “I love it.”
“There’s more, but before we take you inside the store, we’re going to show you the deck and party area in back.”
“I have a party area?”
Michael grabbed her hand and led the group to the backyard by the side gate. When he opened the gate, her jaw dropped.
Nick stood there, beaming. “Get over here, Emily.”
She raced up the wooden steps and stood next to him, unable to close her gaping mouth. Not only had he given her the deck of her dreams with a built-in fire pit and planters, he’d added a pergola. Overhead lights were hidden in the pergola and were sunken in the stair treads.
He grabbed her hand. “Just because this is a small space doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with it. Now, not only do you have a place to relax on your off-time, you have an attractive spot to entertain customers for events…or to offer a drink to your favorite deck contractor.”
“You are all getting drinks and soup. For life.”
“Before the party starts,” said Michael. “Let’s go inside.” He led her back to the front of the store. “Close your eyes, Em.”
There was shuffling as he took her inside and as the camera crew readjusted their vantage points. Emily was just about to peek from between her fingers when Michael whispered in her ears. “Don’t you dare.”
“Okay, okay.”
Lacey readied the crew and gave him his cue.
“Em.” Michael’s voice boomed with pride. “You can open your eyes now.”
Seeing it all come together brought tears to her eyes. The store area was even better than she’d imagined after meeting Michael the first time. Built-in pantry shelving held containers of her colorful soup mixes. Each shelf had its own label, echoing her various flavors such as Spicy Thai and Nonna’s Minestrone. Open-concept, the room was inviting and looked larger than it ever had in Nonna’s time. Emily couldn’t even remember where the old wall used to be. Bistro-style seating was available to those who wished to eat in or grab a coffee while they waited for an order. She could see right through to the spacious kitchen. Although the kitchen was meant for preparing her recipes and doing her work, Michael had taken care to make it as nice a kitchen as any homeowner would want. With a neutral backsplash and calming shades of dove grey and white, it gleamed. They had furnished her with new stainless steel appliances but next to the vintage fittings and bronze taps, they had a retro appeal. It was a kitchen to make an Italian nonna proud.
On the wall hung the ladder Michael had salvaged for her family photos. Nonna Olivia smiled in approval.
“Michael,” Emily said through her tears. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
He gave her a hug and lifted her off the floor. “Welcome home, Em.”
Everyone applauded and Emily ran around hugging and kissing members of the crew. Even Lacey patted her on the back.
When the cameras stopped rolling, Michael pulled her into his arms. “Are you happy?”
“Yes,” she almost shouted. “Are you crazy? My store rocks! I love it. Thank you so much.”
He stroked a finger along her chin, tipping up her head. “I have one more surprise for you.” He retrieved a paper from his pocket.
Emily recognized it immediately from the tear and the crumpled texture. It was the invitation to the reception at Toronto Police Services. “Michael, you didn’t…”
“I did. I called and accepted the invitation.” He breathed in and out. “How would you feel about attending this shindig with me on September 18? It looks pretty fancy. There might even be a shrimp ring.”
She burst into laughter. “For you, I’d go even if there wasn’t a shrimp ring.”
“I’ll have to wear a suit. I can’t remember the last time I wore one of those.”
